Polluted storm water run off is often transported to municipal storm sewer systems (MS4s) and ultimately discharged into local rivers and streams without treatment. The Environmental Protection Agency's storm water phase II rule establishes an MS4 storm water management program intended to improve the Nation's waterways by reducing the quantity of pollutants carried into storm sewer systems during storm events. Certain Jefferson County municipalities designated as MS4 communities and mandated to comply with the storm water phase II rule formed a consortium to effectively meet the requirements of the mandate. With assistance from the JSWCD and Jefferson County Engineers Office, the following municipalities, cities, and townships are answering the EPA mandate :

• Wayne Township

• Wells Township

• Jefferson County

• Steubenville Township

• The City of Steubenville

• The City of Toronto

• The Village of Tiltonsville

• The Village of Wintersville

• The Village of Yorkville

• Cross Creek Township

• Island Creek Township

• Village of Mingo